Clifford Chance has hired private equity partner Michal Netanyahu in New York, a move the firm said will further strengthen its private capital capabilities in the U.S. and globally as it continues to build out its sponsor-side bench.
Netanyahu joins from Freshfields, where she advised private equity sponsors, growth equity investors and portfolio companies across a range of complex corporate and investment matters. Clifford Chance said her practice spans cross-border mergers and acquisitions, leveraged buyouts, investments and divestitures, joint ventures, equity financings and restructurings—work that increasingly requires coordinated execution across multiple jurisdictions and regulatory regimes.
The firm positioned the hire as part of a broader push to expand its U.S. private capital platform, highlighting both the depth of its global transactional capabilities and the growing demand from sponsors for integrated legal support that connects M&A execution with financing, governance and restructuring considerations. In announcing the addition, Clifford Chance said Netanyahu’s experience advising sponsors through a full deal lifecycle—acquisition, value creation, add-ons and exits—will support clients pursuing opportunities in the U.S. and in multijurisdictional transactions.
Jonny Myers, Clifford Chance’s Global Head of Private Equity, said the firm expects Netanyahu’s sponsor and growth equity track record to help clients navigate the complexities that come with U.S.-anchored transactions that involve cross-border elements, whether tied to regulatory requirements, market conditions or structuring issues.
Americas Head of Corporate Ben Sibbett said the firm has been investing in its U.S. private equity capabilities and described Netanyahu’s market knowledge and sponsor relationships as a fit with the firm’s focus on delivering tailored solutions to private capital clients.
Netanyahu said she was drawn to the firm’s transactional platform and emphasized the opportunity to work within a collaborative team as Clifford Chance continues to grow in the U.S. and internationally.
Clifford Chance said the hire marks its fifth addition to the private capital team in the past twelve months, underscoring what it described as continued momentum in expanding its U.S. offering for sponsors and other private capital market participants.
KEY QUOTES:
“Michal’s rich track record advising private equity sponsors and growth equity funds will create advantage for our clients globally, helping them navigate US and multijurisdictional transactional, regulatory and market complexities with precision. We are delighted to welcome her to the team.”
Jonny Myers, Global Head of Private Equity, Clifford Chance
“As we continue to build out our private equity bench in the US, Michal’s deep understanding of the market and sponsors that drive it will translate directly to tailored solutions for clients.”
Benjamin Sibbett, Americas Head of Corporate, Clifford Chance
“Clifford Chance has an incredible transactional platform. I’m excited to join such a collaborative, innovative team and contribute to the firm’s continued growth in the US and globally.”
Michal Netanyahu, Private Equity Partner, Clifford Chance
